ROADBLOCKS AS a form of public protest unfortunately have become too popular a form of civil disobedience in Jamaica.
Most times these protests are against some perceived injustice by state authorities, or over the poor conditions of roads or the lack of water.
Ironically, on Tuesday for the second time in as many years, there was a roadblock and demonstration in support of policemen on trial for the murder of a man from the Bull Bay, Eastern St. Andrew community. They insist that the man killed by the police had held their community to ransom for a long time and was responsible for a series of crimes in their area.
However justified residents may feel that the police acted with propriety in the instant case, we believe their action is wrong on at least two counts.
First, there is a process of law that must be observed when murder charges are preferred, no matter who the accused might be. Additionally, it cannot be right for any one group of protesters to impede the free flow of traffic.
Residents who want to support the police may freely assemble by the side of the road with their placards or whatever other symbols they wish. It is highly irresponsible to resort to unlawful means to show support for forces of law and order.
The police themselves should be equally aware of the danger they court in not being firm with the protesters' illegal behaviour even if they fully endorse their sentiments. There should be no double standards with regards to the protest.
Senator Horne's
petulanceIT IS difficult to see what Senator Norman Horne hopes to achieve by insisting that he will remain in the Senate, technically, as an independent member.
For while it is true that the Constitution does not recognise political parties, he was appointed under the auspices of the Jamaica Labour Party from which he has resigned. It may well be that Mr. Horne genuinely believes he has made and wishes to continue making a contribution to public life through the shaping of legislation and through debates on national issues.
On the other hand, his wanting to remain in the Upper House will more likely be seen as a petulant display of pique and a desire further to embarrass his colleagues with whom he has had a public falling out.
To date Mr. Horne has not made clear what vision he has for Jamaica that must be articulated from the floor of the Senate. We suggest that if Mr. Horne wishes to make a positive contribution to the political life and governance of the country that he offers himself to the electorate for them to make a determination as to his suitability to be their spokesman.
THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GLEANER.
